Destination News - Hotel, Resort & Spa.

Marriott International and the Brazilian state of Amazonas signed an agreement to support the first project of its kind to help protect 1.4 million acres of endangered rainforest. This partnership between government and the private sector is one of the first in the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. Marriott has committed $2 million to fund an environmental management plan administered by the newly created Amazonas Sustainable Foundation. By year end, Marriott guests and group customers will also be able to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated from their hotel stays by contributing to this rainforest fund. Apr 8, 2008

MGM Grand

MGM Grand has unveiled Wet Republic, a 53,000-square-foot ultra pool combining an exclusive nightlife vibe with poolside pampering and relaxation. The adults-only Wet Republic will feature distinct experiences within a series of intimate spaces that include a poolside lounge, ten cabanas and six exclusive VIP bungalows. In addition to the bungalows and cabanas, guests may reserve one of the 18 spacious day beds or more than 80 oversized, deluxe chaise lounges. Wet Republic will have eight separate pools and spas totaling more than 7,600 square feet. At its centerpiece, Wet Republic will feature two spectacular saltwater poolsothe only on the Las Vegas Stripomeasuring 2,500 and 3,500 square feet. Six cascading waterfalls will accent the vast poolscape. Wet Republic will feature a 2,500-square-foot, open-air ultra lounge next to the main pool area. A 4,100-square-foot sundeck located between the lounge and the saltwater pools will transform the area into a stage to spotlight celebrity guests and hot entertainers. Wet Republic will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.mgmgrand.com/wetrepublic Apr 7, 2008

Nam Hai Resort

Vietnam's Nam Hai Resort is attracting international carriers to Vietnam's Central Coast area. Korean-based Asiana Airlines will begin service between Seoul and Danang in July. Last week, the resort convened a meeting with officials of Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Silkair and Cathay Pacific. Resorts are coming also. Over the next year, Raffles, Banyan Tree, Kor and Hyatt, will be developing resorts in the region. Greg Norman and Colin Montgomerie are both building golf courses near China Beach. The Nam Hai Resort features 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villas that border the sea around a horseshoe-shaped spit of sand. In addition to a private stretch of Ha My Beach, there are three pools available to guests, including a 50-meter-long Olympic swimming pool. For more information, visit www.ghmhotels.com Apr 11, 2008

Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts celebrated the grand opening of its first luxury resort with a star-studded party at Nikki Beach Resort Turks & Caicos Islands this past Saturday, April 5. The resort has extended grand opening rates, and those who book by June 30 can receive 30 percent off of nightly room rates on travel through Sept. 30. To book these rates, visit www.nikkibeachhotels.com Apr 11, 2008

Pacific Palms Resort

Pacific Palms Resort is emerging from a $60 million renovation comprising modernized rooms, a new restaurant and bar called RED opening in May and a new 11,000 square-foot full service luxury spa. The renovations also include a makeover to two championship golf courses, and revitalized conference and meeting spaces. Pacific Palms Resort bills itself as Los Angeles[sup.1] only destination golf, spa and conference resort. It has 292 guest rooms, each with a balcony and city or golf course views. Visit www.pacificpalmsresort.com Apr 7, 2008

Roco Ki

Roco Ki, a luxury residential and resort community being developed in the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic, is welcoming the addition of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Fairmont Roco Ki, anticipated to open in 2010, will join beachfront properties, tropical villas and The Faldo Legacy Golf Course. The resort will offer vistas of the Caribbean Sea and the Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course, which winds along the beach through a dense mangrove forest and stretches across the property's headland with stunning cliff-top views of the sea. Upon completion, Fairmont Roco Ki will include a 255-room Fairmont Residences, a collection of condominiums, villas and estate homes, and Fairmont Heritage Place, a private residence club. The resort will also feature restaurants and bars, 17,500 square feet of meeting space, a 15,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa and fitness area and pool and beach facilities. Call 800-441-1414 or visit Apr 11, 2008

Sandals Resorts

Effective immediately, Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and the Royal Plantation Collection, has introduced Grand Pineapple Beach, a new, value-oriented brand. Two resorts, Grand Pineapple Beach Resort in Antigua and Negril Gardens in Jamaica, will be re-flagged with the new moniker to become Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua and Grand Pineapple Beach Negril, respectively. Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts will accept singles, couples, families and groups. All-inclusive rates include accommodations, all meals and snacks, unlimited premium-brand beverages, non-motorized watersports, and nightly entertainment. Visit www.sandals.com. Apr 10, 2008

Stora Hotel

Stora Hotel in Nykoping south of Stockholm, From the May 1, will switch chains from park Inn to Scandic, as part of a new franchise initiative. Scandic[sup.1]s new franchise will focus on growth and has started to develop in the Nordic region. The first property will be the Scandic Ostersund City in Sweden, which is to become part of the hotel chain at the end of the month. The second hotel will be the Stora Hotel, Nykoping, located just an hour south of Stockholm, Sweden. The Hotel has 98 rooms and is located in the centre of Nykoping, seven minutes from Stockholm Skavsta Airport. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, and meeting rooms. Apr 7, 2008

Trump International Hotel

Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas has officially opened. The hotel[sup.1]s 64 stories are wrapped in 24-karat gold glass, and rise 645 feet above the city. The tower features 1,282 ultra-luxury, non-smoking suites, each with custom-designed furnishings, fully equipped kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows. Both hotel guests and residents will enjoy the services of Trump's signature Attach Guest Services. Upon opening, guests will have access to amenities such as world-class meeting-and-event facilities, the 10,000-square-foot Spa at Trump and a 1,500-square-foot health club. The hotel[sup.1]s signature restaurant, DJT will open in May and will showcase the culinary talents of Joe Isidori. Visit www.trumplasvegashotel.com Apr 7, 2008

WorldHotels

WorldHotels has partnered with The Imperial Palace Hotel - in the western suburbs of Mumbai, India - to make it part of is Deluxe Collection. The 417-room property will be part of the 240-acre Royal Palms Estate, which incorporates Royal Palms Golf and Country Club and is located 7km (4mi) from Mumbai[sup.1]s Sahar International Airport and close to the city[sup.1]s exhibition center. Included in the hotel is a state-of-the-art business centre and conference facilities for up to 300 delegates, plus a spa and restaurant. Businesses near to the hotel include Wipro, JCB, Citibank, HSBC and Sidel. The property is one of three in the Royal Palms Estate development, which also incorporates luxury serviced apartments, an IT park, offices, and a convention center. Apr 8, 2008

Wynn Las Vegas Resort

Wynn Las Vegas Resort and Country Club has purchased eight 2008 Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantoms. When combined with the two existing Wynn Phantoms, this is the largest fleet of the exclusive vehicles in North America. The automobiles are made with the highest level of craftsmanship, using the best quality materials and feature ibespokei items, including the Wynn logo on tread plates and the resortis signature crest embroidered on the headrests. Since the cars feature a complex operating system and 6.75-litre V12 engines, Wynnis team of chauffeurs has attended training sessions to become familiar with the intricacies of the automobiles' operation. Visit www.wynnlasvegas.com Apr 7, 2008

ZZ

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